Every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. They are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25,000 older adults die each year from a fall. That is one every 20 minutes.
Recently, I became one of these statistics. I twisted my ankle on a small rock and fell to the ground. At the time, I considered embarrassment was the main result. Within a couple of days, I realized that my ankle was broken. Although my ankle has since healed, the recovery process is a lengthy (and costly) one.
How can we protect ourselves and our older loved ones from a fall? The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has come up with the following:
Six Steps to Reducing Falls
1. Take simple steps to stay safe. Many older adults recognize that falling is a risk but don’t believe it will happen to them.
2. Discuss current health conditions. Do they remember to take their medications? Is it getting more difficult to do things that used to be easy?
3. Ask about their last eye checkup. As we age, our prescription may change more frequently. Also walking with bifocals is very problematic.
4. Talk about medication. The side effect of some medications is dizziness or sleepiness.
5. Assess the safety of the home. Is the home well lit? Are the railings secured by the steps or stairs? Do the bathrooms have grab bars in the shower and near the toilet? Are there other tripping hazards such as area rugs or cords?
NCOA’s Falls Prevention Fact Sheet states “Falls, with or without injury, can impact or alter someone’s life. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation and feelings of helplessness.”
There are several community-based programs available to help older adults learn how to increase balance and reduce their risk of falling. Consider contacting your local senior center and ask about its tai chi program.
We are all looking forward to fall but none of us look forward to falling.
